Greater Gwent Biodiversity Action Group Glamorgan Biodiversity Advisory Group

G w e n t - G l a m o r g a n Recorders’ Newsletter

Issue 9—Autumn October 2013 Painting the Square Blue Welcome to the ninth issue of the Gwent-Glamorgan Recorders’ Some who read this will enter their rec- in autumn, winter, and early spring; the Newsletter. ords directly into a recording database, only season I have the time to search It is another bumper edition with lots such as MapMate and on viewing the for it, was a real help too. dot maps will have, no doubt, from time of updates from the mammal re- As with many such organisms, habitat to time wondered at the huge gaps in cording world: The Valleys Bat and often microclimate are crucial to its coverage of seemingly common and Group went Batty on Flatholm this distribution and occurrence and I quick- widespread species. Just occasionally, summer (p8); Cardiff Bat Group ly began to get a feel for its require- there is the temptation to get out and radio-tracked Nathusius Pipistrelles ments of dead, moist, but not perma- fill some of those gaps, but with really to locate their roosts (p9); the Ma- nently waterlogged wood in dense, common things, that can become quite MoNet (Mammal Monitoring Net- humid, shady areas of vegetation, not a tedious and overwhelming chore: try work) Project gathers momentum too exposed to drying winds. Travelling it with bracken and you’ll see what I (p10); the Ecology Re- around the valley and even from the mean. search Team at Swansea University train to Cardiff, I found myself spotting are on the look out for mustelid A few years ago, while removing a suitable patches of potential habitat carcasses and mammal records mostly dead Privet hedge from a cli- and mentally noting them, then pouring (p15), in particular coastal otters ent’s garden, I was amazed to find over the Explorer maps, planning drop- (p16); and lastly the new South some of the dead stems covered in in visits, to search. Of course, many of Mammals Group is now up what looked like a blue fungal crust. It the 1km squares within my chosen ar- and running, and looking for new wasn’t in any of my general field guides ea lack any suitable habitat, or are far members (p15). on fungi, so I sent a specimen to too exposed, so as yet I haven’t wast- This will be my final edition for a Mervyn Howells, of the Glamorgan ed any time on them. while as I am about to take materni- Fungus Group, who kindly identified it Being indigo blue in colour and growing ty leave. I am therefore passing the as Pulcherricium caeruleum (=Terana in shade, usually on the underside of reins of editing the newsletter to my caerulea) which also has the vernacu- branches and twigs, I found a torch an colleagues Elaine Wright and Libby lar name of Cobalt Crust. Wilcox. indispensable item of equipment to- In early November 2012, I again found gether with a thick skin, to ward off the Enjoy the newsletter! this beautiful fungus, this time growing odd looks of passers by. Patience and Rebecca Davies, SEWBReC on dead bramble and having contacted the ability to cope with the frustration of Mervyn with the record and to be re- the often baffling absence of the fun- Included in this issue: minded of its name, I looked it up on gus from seemingly perfect sites are Painting the Square Blue 1-2 MapMate and the NBN gateway, to find no rec- 2013 - A Great Year for Moths! 2 ords of it in Glamorgan: SEWBReC News 3-4 a bit misleading as I Wood Ants in Gwent 5-6 know Mervyn has some. Going Batty on Flathom 8 Guessing that it was un- Nathusius Pipistrelle Project & Bat Care 9 der recorded, but proba- MaMoNet 10 bly not too common ei- Coity Wallia Commons 11 ther, I set myself the challenge of recording it 2013- My Year of Living Locally 12 in every 1km square in Summer Highlights 12-13 the Cynon Valley, in Meadows Group 14 which suitable habitat Bee House - No vacancies! 15 and hosts exist and duly set about it. The fact that Wildlife Sightings 17 this fungus is at its best © Mark Evans Celebrate UK Fungus Day 18

Issue 9—Autumn

Painting the Square Blue (cont…) also essential, though this uncertain- Thus far I have recorded Cobalt ble subject can be a rewarding pas- ty also helps make the search both Crust in over 30 squares and my time and I would thoroughly recom- interesting and entertaining. search is still ongoing, but with what mend it: just try not to get too ob- purpose? When I started, my only sessed. As well as trying to record it in as purpose was to put dots in squares many squares as possible, I have and that is certainly still the prime also been trying to find it on as many aim, however, there is a slightly Mark Evans species of host plants as I can and more serious side to this, because so far have found it, in the Cynon as I have been entering the data and Valley, on six natives and two aliens: the dots have appeared on the map, Sallow, Bramble, Gorse, Ash, Ivy, it is becoming clear that although Elder, Laurel, and Snowberry never abundant and though it may (Symphoricarpus). take some finding, this particular Cobalt Crust is often difficult to find, fungus always seems to be found in is never abundant, easily overlooked, any square that has suitable habitat, but widespread, making it an ideal so the distribution in the coal field as subject for square bashing. Search- a whole might, with a certain amount ing for it has led me to visit areas I of caution, be extrapolated from the would never otherwise ventured and distribution of the host plants and in the process I have recorded other the occurrence of suitable habitat. more common species (not just fun- Square bashing, if you pick a suita- gi) plus the odd less common one.

2013 – A great year for moths?

If you cast your mind back to the anything like what I would consider great year? Well, overall I’d say spring newsletter, you may recall to be ‘normal’. Indeed for a couple of about average! that I was be-moaning a rather poor weeks in July the trap was just about start to the year. Indeed, it was not as good as it has ever been in the David Slade until the middle of June (week 25 on nine years we’ve been living here. VC41 Lepidoptera Recorder the accompanying chart) that moth catches in my garden approached So, was it a poor year for moths or a

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Issue 9—Autumn October 2013

SEWBReC News

SLA Update take place with NRW in late October her boots will be hard to fill during the The mid-point of the financial year is a and before that the four Welsh LRC next year, but Elaine Wright will be (welcome) quiet time for SEWBReC’s Managers are visiting and meeting stepping up to the task, ably assisted finances with all agreements with pub- with Alun Davies AM (Minister for Nat- by Libby Wilcox and (during especially lic sector bodies now in place and ural Resources and Food) to discuss busy periods) the rest of the team! We only negligible changes in funding our relationship with the Welsh Gov- will shortly be advertising for a tempo- compared to last year. We are still ernment. rary (12 month) Biodiversity Infor- hoping to secure a Service Level mation Assistant post to help with our workload during Becky’s absence, so Agreement with Swansea Council and Bat & Roof-nesting Bird Search after that we will have agreements in keep an eye on www.sewbrec.org.uk Commercial sales will hopefully re- place with 11 out of our 12 Unitary for recruitment news. ceive a boost in the coming months Authorities … Cardiff Council being due to the imminent launch of our new the final nut to crack! lower-cost data product. The product SEWBReC is Ten Years Old is aimed specifically at providing Looking ahead, SEWBReC will be NRW & Welsh Government background data in support of pro- celebrating its 10th anniversary during Looking ahead we are working hard to jects, such as bat assessments of 2014. We hope to mark the occasion ensure that our funding from Natural small-scale developments. The Bat with a small number of special events, Resources Wales (NRW) is main- and Roof-nesting Bird (BARB) search to which we look forward to welcom- tained at a level similar to (or ideally is current being trialled by a selection ing you. The first of these will be a higher than) the levels set by agree- of our existing customers. Following joint Glamorgan-Gwent Recorders ments with the three bodies it has feedback we hope to launch the event which will take place on Satur- th replaced. To this end, SEWBReC search more widely during October. If day 20 February 2014 at the Soar recently hosted a visit by Emyr Rob- you would like more details of this Centre, Penygraig. The event will be erts (NRW’s Chief Executive) and product, please get in touch. a celebration of the wildlife, recorders, Mike Evans (NRW’s Head of Evi- sites and species of South East Wales. Look out for details of our oth- dence, Knowledge and Advice). Very Staff Changes useful discussions took place about er celebratory events over the coming We are very happy that a new record- the current and potential roles of months! er will soon be joining the SEWBReC SEWBReC and the other three Welsh family as Becky Davies and her part- Local Records Centres in meeting the ner Chris are expecting their first child Adam Rowe, SEWBReC biodiversity information needs of in November. Becky oversees our NRW. Further discussions are due to commercial data enquiries service, so

SEWBReC Events

The SEWBReC events calendar was your contributions help us © Mark Evans jam packed as always in 2013, with 2 achieve our primary aim of SEWBReC Biodiversity Blitz Days, 2 encouraging wildlife record- Recorders’ conferences, 3 species ing throughout South East identification training events - grass- Wales. As mentioned in es, rust fungi & craneflies (funded by Adam’s update, we are Wales Biodiversity Partnership) and hoping to celebrate our staff attendance at a variety of part- tenth anniversary year in nership events, such as Go Wild! and style, so watch out for your the Gwent Wildlife Trust Open Day. In invitation to participate in a addition to these structured events, range of exciting SEW- we also encouraged recorders to get BReC events and projects out to less recorded areas through our in 2014. Photo of spores from a rust fungi on Carex hirta (hairy sedge) “Square of the Month” initiative. Elaine Wright, SEWBReC Page 3 Many thanks to everyone who attend- ed, hosted and supported our various events, or indeed sent us any records;

Issue 9—Autumn October 2013

SEWBReCORD

designed for creating SEWBReC, then this may not be online recording websites. the system for you. However, if you As such, if you are al- only record the odd thing every now ready familiar with the and then, or have submitted records September saw the launch of SEW- Biological Record Centre’s own indi- via our website or casual records BReC’s online recording database – cia website iRecord, then you spreadsheet, then please consider SEWBReCORD. The primary pur- should find ours very simple to use. registering with SEWBReCORD pose of SEWBReCORD is to make instead. it easier for wildlife sightings to be These records can then be seen by collated, checked by experts and other users on the site and will be www.sewbrecord.org.uk made available to those that need made available to experts on them for their research or decision iRecord for verification (i.e. confir- David Slade, SEWBReC making. You need to register in or- mation of species identification). der to make use of it, but once you There is also a simple system for have done so, you can use one of incorporating these records into the three forms to enter records, upload SEWBReC database so that they photos and view the records that can be included in future data other users have entered onto the searches. system. If you already have a system for It makes use of Indicia technology, storing your records and submitting an open source toolkit specifically them to your county recorder or

Long winged conehead in untypical habitat

th Since the discovery of the first long On 30 August 2013 I attended a The long winged or extra- winged conehead (Conocephalus demonstration of upland land man- macropterous form of this species is discolor) record for Monmouthshire agement on the slopes of Mynydd accredited with the potential to dis- (vc35) in 2006, this nationally notable Varteg Fawr (SO244068) near Blae- perse over long-distances. Within species has seen a remarkable ex- navon, above the upper limit of agri- populations a number of individuals pansion in range throughout South cultural enclosure at 510 metres are morphologically adapted for long- Wales. above sea level. Two local Common- range flight (Benton, 2012). It there- ers, supported by the Forgotten In Monmouthshire it is now present in fore remains to be seen if this is an Landscapes Project, were engaged most lowland tetrads where its pre- isolated occurrence from the up- in the control of a large stand of ferred habitat of rank grassland is lands, or a serious attempt by this bracken by mechanical rolling. The present. The current known distribu- species to colonise habitat previously wider habitat in this location is char- tion stretches across the Gwent Lev- considered to be unsuitable. acteristic of the upland mosaic found els through to Newport and beyond in the western valleys, comprising dry to the boundary with Glamorgan (vc and wet dwarf shrub heath with acid Reference: Benton. T (2012) New 41). Elsewhere it is found in the grassland, but dominated by exten- Naturalist: Grasshoppers and Crick- Valley as far as and the sive bracken. lower Wye Valley around , ets. Collins: London with some isolated records around To my surprise, during a walkover of . In the western valleys it’s the large area of flattened vegetation, Steve Williams, VC35 Orthoptera frequently encountered south of a I located an adult extra-macropterous Recorder line from to Blackwood. (long-winged) form of the long This, until recently had led to the as- winged conehead. This is the first sumption that the long winged cone- known record from an upland loca- Page 4 head is primarily a lowland species, tion in the vice county and approxi- limited by climatic conditions. mately 7km from the nearest record- ed population.

Issue 9—Autumn

Wood Ants in Gwent

The southern wood ant (Formica rufa), 18/05/2009 Nest of wood ant in Great on the 9th August 2012, I checked an hence forth referred to here as the Barnetts Wood, Chepstow area which, in 1976, held 24 nests of wood ant (or simply as ants), occurs in (ST515940). wood ant. This had now been re- suitable habitat, widely but locally duced to just five nests. One simple 1/06/2009 Wood ants noted in Wern through much of Gwent (see map be- explanation might be that the colonies Fawr Woods () (c. SO325058). low showing sites known to myself). had simply moved, but a general de- 22/06/2009 Small nest of wood ant on cline is believed to have taken place. open ground (broken In 2012/2013 I kept my local wood ant bedrock) on top of Ifton nests under regular surveillance. Quarry, These nests are located in Cuckoo (ST463887). Wood, . There are five of 03/03/2011 Wood ant them in a convenient cluster and they nest at the Far Hearken- are referred to here as nests A, B, C, ing Rock (SO543150). D and E. Of these by far the most active was nest A (see photograph), 22/11/2011 One nest of and observations on this nest alone wood ant found in Beau- resulted in the graph (overleaf) which lieu Wood, Kymin, Mon- shows periods of activity throughout mouth (SO528128). the course of 2012. 27/03/2012 An active In the graph shown overleaf Line A wood ant nest in woods shows the period of obvious green near Manorside, Pont-y- woodpecker predation. Line B shows Fan (c. SO523057). the period of ‘clustering’, as seen Others workers have when the conditions are warm enough also found wood ant Wood ant nests in Gwent for emergence but too cool for great nests in the far south- activity. Remember, 2012 was a par- west of Gwent, and in St Marys Vale ticularly cool year! Line C indicates Some of these sites (mostly those near Abergavenny. the period when winged sexuals were visited since May 2002) are listed here to be seen on the surface of the nest, with relevant but approximate grid The main concentrations of wood ant Line D shows when actual mating was references: populations would appear to occur in observed and Line E, when jay feath- Forest, Chepstow Park ers were noted lying on the nest. 16/5/2002 Two wood ant nests in the Wood and the Minnetts Wood. There Gwyddon Valley, Abercarn (centred is, however, ST215950). a suggestion 16/03/2003 Six active wood ant nests that the colo- in Chepstow Park Wood (south-facing nies are in slope) centred at ST490980. decline. In 2012 I 3/09/2013 A reasonable abundance of checked out wood ants in St Pierre Great Wood colonies in (centred at ST503925). Wentwood 18/07/2004 Wood ant nests along that I had roadside edge of Cuhere Wood (c. first noted in ST458962) and also in the Cwm, op- 1976. One posite Coombe House (ST459932). particular This last nest has been known to me stretch of at this site for c. 50 years. Note: A forest track visit to this site on 10/04/2007 found held eight Wood ant nest ‘A’ in Cuckoo Wood, Llandogo © Colin Titcombe the nest to have been eradicated. wood ant nests in 1976, but I could only find Page 5 7/09/2004 10 nests of wood ant noted four along the same stretch in 2012. in Minnetts Wood (Centre on Similarly in another part of Wentwood, ST450890).

Issue 9—Autumn October 2013

Wood Ants in Gwent (...cont)

than usual number of small snail shells on a satellite nest to nest A. The snails were identi- fied as the rounded snail (Discus rotundatus) and the smooth glass snail (Retinella nitidula). Of the snails noted, seven of them were alive and moving over the surface of the nest without interference from the ants.

In 2013, the spring was late in arriving winter months when they have to dig so the nest activity (Nest A) began into the nests in order to access rather later, and this was particularly the hibernating inmates. The ex- noticeable in the period of the winged cavations they make into the nests sexuals which lasted from the 4th June are distinctive, and so too are the to the 30th June (in 2012 this phase ‘walking stick’ droppings they lasted from the 10th May until the 26th leave behind (see photo on right). June). Of the five nests under obser- It is well known that wood ants vation, Nest A held by far the larger feed their larvae on a wide variety number of winged sexuals (50+ on the of invertebrate animals found in 16th June and the 20th June 2012). the vicinity of their nests, both on Mating pairs were noted on nest A the ground and in the leafy canopy and nest B. Rather oddly, considering of nearby trees. A study of the that nest C is as large as nest A, species taken would be too exten- winged sexuals were not seen on this sive to be included here but a few nest at all in 2012 or 2013, but they casual observations may be of were seen on the 11th May 2011, on a some interest. casual visit. In Cuckoo Wood, in addition to the It would appear that jays carry out usual insects (both adults and ‘anting’ behaviour on these nests, but ‘Walking stick’ droppings © Colin Titcombe larvae) an abundant item brought this is only apparent during the moult to the nests are woodlice. The ques- season when their feathers fall out Among the woodlice noted, the spe- tion arising there is, are they killed onto the ant nests. Similarly, it is like- cies known as Porcellio scaber is of- and brought into the nest, or are they ly that green woodpeckers feed on the ten to be seen wandering over the found dead, and brought into the ants throughout the year, but this ac- wood ant nests without being at- nest? Similarly we could ask, are tivity only becomes obvious during the tacked. The presence of this species they intended as food for the larvae, in ant nests generally has been noted or as an addition by a number of ant specialists but it is to the nest mate- said not to be a special ant associate rial? Whichever as is the white –coloured Platyarthrus the case may hoffmanseggi. This species has not be, they are cer- been seen here for I have limited my tainly brought in observations to the nest surface, and in some quantity. have refrained from delving into the At certain times, interior. so too are small snails, as wit- Colin Titcombe ness my diary for 24th Septem- Page 6 ber 2012. This diary entry men- tioned a higher Wood ants ‘clustering’ during Spring 2013 © Colin Titcombe

Issue 9—Autumn October 2013

New books and digital pics

Our wildlife recording is not & Roger Morris. As well as targeted at any one group of some splendid photos, the species. We are old-fashioned authors have helpfully provid- amateur naturalists who like to ed distribution maps, flight ramble about making a note of periods and an indication of and trying to identify as many species which can confidently as possible of the plants and be identified by eye or with a creatures we encounter, Rob hand lens. Inevitably there are jotting them down in a police- some species whose identity man’s style handy notebook. requires dissection or exami- Wielding a digital camera with nation of microscopic fea- The micromoth Argyresthia geodartella short telephoto lens enables tures. However, there are © John Sherwood me to snap insects for later plenty of distinctive species scrutiny without disturbing or which often mimic bees and harming them in any way. Dig- wasps such as the well-known ital enlargement of the images “Marmalade” hoverfly Episyr- can reveal the finer details. phus balteatus. The Field Guide to Micro- Hoverflies are a delightful moths by Phil Sterling and group to study, often sitting Mark Parsons with immaculate obligingly on a flower to be illustrations by Richard Lew- observed and photographed. ington was published last Sericomyia silentis is a con- year. As we didn’t run to the vincing wasp mimic while Arc- multi-volume set by Heath and tophila superbiens is a dead Emmet on British & Irish Lepi- ringer for the Common Carder doptera, this has been a great Bee. Chrysotoxum bicinctum help in identifying some of the is unmistakeable, as is Leu- smaller visitors to our moth cozona laternaria, and who trap, and putting a name to could resist Myathropa florea Leucozona laternaria © Linda Nottage photos taken in the field. Con- nick-named Batman from the firmation (or not) by Dave logo on its thorax. Arctophila superbiens © Linda Nottage Slade is always welcome too! These are just some of the However, the biggest boost to species we’ve “nailed” in Gla- our identification skills this morgan this summer. We can’t year has been the acquisition wait for next year to search for of the recent publication Brit- some of the spring species. ain’s Hoverflies by Stuart Ball Linda Nottage

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Myathropa florea © Linda Nottage

Going Batty on Flatholm

Over the weekend of Friday 20th workshops, storage sheds and a latrine we sat outside enjoying the bat flying September to Sunday 22nd Septem- block. overhead, echo-locating in the dark- ness. Soon Rhys and Haydn picked up ber 2013, three intrepid bat workers Add to that lighthouse and keepers a second Common Pipistrelle joining headed down to the Harbor Authori- dwelling, the foghorn and cottage and the first. Later, when most of the group ties jetty on Cardiff Bay to join a the original farm house. So it took the had moved inside the pub, I then Flatholm Society Work Party for a trip entire first day for the intrepid bat work- picked up a strong bat echolocation to Flatholm Island, out in the middle ers and Linda to visit the vast majority signal at approximately 20 kHz. The of the . of the military sites, searching for bat loud repetitive ‘Chip-chop, chip-chop, signs. Our mission: To prove or disprove chop-chip, chop-chip’ call indicated current bat presence on the island None were found! After the splendid that a large bat had flown over head, and to ascertain which species, if evening meal of the first day, the mem- probably a Noctule which had flown any, were present. The three were bers of the Flatholm Society were pro- over from the mainland ….. From Eng- myself (Geri Thomas) and Rhys vided with bat detectors and given a land or Wales, I wondered? Thomas, both of the Valleys Bat rapid lesson on usage, with some So there are bats on Flatholm! Not Group, and Haydn Brookes of pointers for identifying common bat many, but they are there. The follow- Gloucester Bat Group. All three are calls if any were picked up. Sunset and ing morning, as most of the building bat workers with the Merlin Bio- Sur- dusk came and went, then night fol- survey for bats was completed, Rhys veys Consultancy. lowed, but there was still no bat activity and Haydn joined in with the working around the farm house. A false alarm Our aim: To search every man made party on one of the WWII gun batteries from a number of people proved to be structure on the island and every nat- and managed to unearth a section of the first of many Dark Bush Crickets! ural site suitable for bat usage. We the narrow gauge railway that would were joined in this venture by Linda Therefore the decision was taken to have originally taken ammunition to the Burnell, who with her knowledge of walk up to the pub, taking the bat de- Ak-Ak guns. Linda and I continued with the island, guided us around the vari- tectors with us. Some of the party, pos- the building survey until it was complet- ous buildings hidden in the elder and sibly keener than the rest to reach the ed, in time for a lunch break. In the bramble thickets. pub, positively rushed towards their afternoon, the loft spaces of the farm There are 46 manmade structures on first bottle of beer! and the two barrack blocks were exam- ined for evidence of bat usage. None the island; they include two lead mine Then out of the darkness galloped one was found, so the bats must be using shafts, a well, 3 gun batteries con- of these pioneers; James Burton, one crevices and gaps in the area immedi- structed from dressed stone and brick of the Society members, came shout- ately under the eaves or within the still during the Victorian era, each with ing ‘I’ve got one, I’ve got one!’ Out of open chimneys. Rhys and I also visited deep pits to conceal the massive can- puff and excited after his headlong the two caves above the high tide mark on which, bereft of their wooden gun rush in the dark, he revealed that he on the cliffs. Neither had any bat signs. carriages, still litter the island. Each of and others in the advanced party had We were then joined by Haydn and these batteries has their associated picked up a bat calling at 45 kHz, and Harriet, one of the two volunteer war- armouries for small arms storage, that it was in the vicinity of the bar- dens, and we all explored a large sea and tunnel systems for storage of racks. A Common Pipistrelle cave below the rain water collector, in gunpowder and shells. There are also (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), success! the two derelict buildings of the Chol- case the cave continued above the era Hospital and Doctors’ Quarters, Soon we had all arrived at the now high tide mark. This left just the lead both without roofs; two substantial silent site. Luckily though, it didn’t take mines and well unexplored during our barrack blocks; and a derelict associ- long for the bat to return, foraging and visit and this had been intentionally ated building from the same period. feeding just above our heads, giving done for reasons of safety. brief views as it was silhouetted in the The barracks, being in good condi- After another fine meal conjured up by light of the bright harvest moon and its tion, continue to be used to this day Jill and Linda, we returned to the pub. shining silver road across the sea, a as accommodation, with a shop, mu- Saturday evening outside the Gull & truly beautiful sight. I explained to the seum and pub also situated there. Leek was initially devoid of bat activity, group that, as well as echo locating for The pub, aptly named ‘The Gull & as sea mist gradually became rain, but food, and the feeding buzz, made Leek’, was to play a pivotal part for immediately after the rain stopped the when honing in on its prey, the Com- the rest of the trip! Common Pipistrelles emerged from mon Pipistrelle was also making lots of their undisclosed roost site to entertain There are also concrete and brick social calls i.e. ‘calling’ to other bats. us all once again. If our visit had been fortifications built for WWII, with anti- Matt, the warden, then opened the Gull longer we would have also undertaken aircraft batteries, radar ramp, armour- & Leek, and celebratory bottles of a dawn survey to try to pinpoint the ies, command centres, bunkers, beer, cider and wine were quaffed as roost site.

Issue 9—Autumn October 2013 Going Batty on Flatholm (...cont)

Sunday had come around all too was with some sadness that three bat Christmas hibernation roost visits an- quickly; the camaraderie and wel- surveyors left this magical little island. yone? come given to us by the warden, vol- With uncertainty over its future hang- Geri Thomas, Valleys Bat Group & unteers, Peter Sampson and the oth- ing over it, hopefully this will not be Merlin Bio-Surveys er Flatholm Society members had the last visit we make to monitor the made it a really special weekend, so it tiny bat population of Flatholm.

Nathusius Pipistrelle Project & Bat Care

ject. Since this project started The tags were very lightweight, and in 2010, Nathusius Pipistrelles had a very short battery life (only a few have been recorded at around days), so as soon as the bats were the same location each year. released, they were tracked. We were rewarded by finding quite a few new As so little is known about roosts! these bats and where they roost, we decided to radio-track One of the surprising things about this them. After being awarded a project is that it has revealed that grant from Environment Wales Nathusius Pipistrelles often echolocate Nathusius Pipistrelle © Andy Harmer for a lot of bat boxes and 5 at the same frequencies as Common tags, we tried to catch them. Pipistrelles – meaning that they could The Nathusius Pipistrelle is found This proved quite difficult, but, after a easily be under-recorded! across Europe, is noticeably larger lot of effort and a lot of expertise from If you would like any more information than the Soprano and Common Pipi- around the UK, we caught 3. Two of about this project or our others, please strelles, and associates with urban the bats were found in Cardiff Bay and get in touch via secre- and watery habitats. Despite this, it is one in St Fagans. These were all [email protected]. very rarely recorded in Wales. Some males in breeding condition, and after of the records that we do have were being measured, ringed and tagged, Dr Alex Pollard, Cardiff Bat Group obtained through the Cardiff and Val- were released. leys Bat Group’s Bats and Bikes pro-

Bat Care

South Wales is home to a variety of bat species and unfortunately some of these get injured. Luckily, there are quite a few trained bat carers who are on hand to help them. Sometimes all they need is a little bit of warmth and some water before they can fly off, but more serious injuries can see bats being in long term care or even euthanized. A lot of bats are brought to carers after being attacked by cats – especially young bats who are learning to fly. These bats rarely survive and those that do often need a lot of rehabilitation before release. Some of the most rewarding bat care cases are with youngsters – returning a baby bat to its mother is very special. If you find a bat, you can help it by doing the following:

 Using a glove, tea towel or similar, put it on a wall and see if it flies away. If it doesn’t, or is obviously injured, put it in a box with small air holes and a dry cloth/tea towel, keep it warm and offer a bit of water on a clean paintbrush. Put a milk bottle lid filled with water in the box. Do not put anything sticky or any fruit (all our bats are insectivorous) in the box.  Ring the Bat Conservation Trust Helpline (0845 1300 228) who will Baby Noctule © Lucy Emery put you in touch with a local bat carer.  Keep your cats inside around dusk and dawn, especially during the summer when the young bats are learning to fly.

During the summer we often need help – if you would like to help with bat ambulance driving or bat care, please get in touch via secre- [email protected].

Dr Alex Pollard, Cardiff Bat Group

Issue 9—Autumn October 2013

MaMoNet – The Next Instalment

Since the last Gwent-Glamorgan Recorders’ Newsletter I have Harvest Mouse Surveys - Volunteers Needed! The report been travelling throughout Wales to promote the Mammal ‘Tapping, R. (2013) Harvest Mice in Wales - Where Might Monitoring Network project by attending Biodiversity Partner- They Be? CCW Science Report No. 1036’, has enabled the ship meetings and running people engagement events with a MaMoNet project to focus survey effort on those areas range of organisations. mapped as being suitable habitat and close to the most recent records. Let me know if you would like a copy. Hedgehog Surveys using Footprint Tunnels. The footprint tunnels are We now need lots of volunteer surveyors to get out there in proving popu- November and December to survey these areas as well as lar. Many any other sites that you are aware of. Please visit The Mam- surveyors mal Society website to download a copy of the winter nest have sent me survey protocol or get in touch with me for further information photos of uni- and advice. You could always join in with surveys that the dentified prints recently formed Mammal Group are organising left in their (email: [email protected]). tunnels. Lucki- Harvest Mouse Workshop and Survey at Newport Wet- ly, mammal lands Nature Reserve. I shall be leading a workshop at New- expert Rob port Wetlands on 31st October. There are limited spaces so Strachan has © The Mammal Society do get in touch if you would like to attend. We shall be dis- been on cussing harvest Preparing tracking plates for a footprint tunnel survey at hand to help mouse ecology © The Mammal Society Coed Phoenix Nature Reserve © The Mammal Society with some of and behaviour the ID as I have been trying to get to grips with it! Check out in the morning, the MaMoNet Facebook page for some prints captured at Log- followed by a gerheads Country Park in NE Wales which have Rob’s com- nest search in ments on them – an ideal education tool to help ID those tricki- the reed beds. er prints: https://www.facebook.com/MamonetWalesProject/ A harvest photos_stream mouse nest There have been several organisations going the whole hog was found by undertaking the full 10-tunnel survey. The results of these there approxi- will be analysed by Nottingham Trent University who can pro- mately 11 vide a summary and advise of occupancy levels. The latest years ago, so Volunteers placing bait pots at Kenfig NNR to sur- site in south Wales is Trecco Bay Holiday Park, who are un- whilst honing vey for harvest mice. DNA results will tell us wheth- dertaking the survey as part of their David Bellamy Conserva- our nest er any of the samples belong to harvest mice! tion Award Scheme. search tech- nique, we’ll also be checking whether harvest mice are still Sarah Perkins from Cardiff School of Biosciences at Cardiff present. University, took some students to the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales’ Parc Slip Nature Reserve recently for a field MaMoNet Conference. A conference focussing on hedge- course on small mammals. They deployed footprint tunnels hogs, harvest mice and the National Mammal Atlas has been around the reserve and identified small mammal prints – most- set for Saturday 15th February at The Aberystwyth Arts Cen- ly mice – but had great fun with this survey method which tre. Confirmed speakers include: Penny Lewns, Protected meant not having to go out with torchlights to find nocturnal Species Ecology - How badgers affect hedgehog popula- creatures. tions; Kate Williamson, Cambrian Ecological Partnership – ‘Using footprint tunnels as a survey tool for consultancy’; Hen- It’s not too late to order your own footprint tunnel (or make ry Johnson, Hedgehog Officer, PTES – ‘Hedgehog Ecology, your own) to carry out a survey. Indeed, October sees an Behaviour & Management’; Roy Tapping, COFNOD – The increase in hedgehog activity as they attempt to build up re- Analysis behind the report ‘Harvest Mice in Wales – where serves for hibernation. Don’t forget to upload your results - Might They Be?’; and Ceri Morris and Jenny MacPherson, hedgehog or no hedgehog - via the quick and easy online MISE Project will present on harvest mouse survey methods. form on our website: https://docs.google.com/a/ For further details and to book your place visit our website: themammalsociety.org/spreadsheet/viewform? http://www.mammal.org.uk/wales_conference formkey=dE9qMm9ndkpJYk15ZHZWOXhSVkJRTGc6MQ#gid =0 and remember, hedgehogs roam freely so can turn up at any Becky Clews-Roberts, Project Officer MaMoNet Wales time – keep persevering! Project ([email protected]), tel: 07743085374

Issue 9—Autumn October 2013

Coity Wallia Commons Biodiversity Enhancement Project

north of Mynydd y Gaer were the last refuge of the high brown fritillary; brack- en (Pteridium aquilinum) now dominates the slopes due to the cessation of cattle graz- © Emma Douglas ing and tradi- © Emma Douglas tional bracken We have had a great year and dis- harvesting. To restore the slopes to (Genista anglica) to name but a few covered some fantastic species! The suitable condition for the butterflies, species. Some other notable species Coity Wallia Commons Biodiversity bracken rolling has been carried out, recorded on the commons include Enhancement Project is a partnership interconnected patches of bracken pink waxcap (Hygrocybe calyptriform- project between PONT and the Coity have been cut and material raked into is), scarlet caterpillar club (Cordyceps Wallia Commoners Assocation and is piles, and a cattle leasing scheme militaris), adder (Vipera berus), small primarily funded by Biffa Award. The has seen cattle return to the slopes. cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), project aims to restore and reconnect Cutting and collection of rank rush spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa stria- habitats over 1,065 hectares of Com- (Juncus spp.) and purple moor grass ta), cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), small mon land between Sarn and Pen- (Molinia caerulea) has been carried pearl bordered fritillary (Boloria sele- coed, and from Blackmill towards Gly- out across much of Cefn Hirgoed ne) and gypsy moth (Lymantria dis- nogwr. We have four priority species common to promote the growth of par), a first for Glamorgan! that the project aims to assist, these devil’s-bit scabious (Succisa praten- If you would like to find out more are the marsh fritillary (Euphydryas sis) for the benefit of the marsh fritil- about the project please visit our aurinia), high brown fritillary (Argynnis lary. Ungrazed areas of the Com- website www.coitywallia.org or find us adippe), the bog bush cricket mons are now managed as wildflower on Facebook and Twitter. Please (Metrioptera brachyptera) and the meadows for pollinating insects in- also feel free to contact the Coity shrill carder bee (Bombus sylvarum). cluding the shrill carder bee, and Wallia Commons Biodiversity En- The project also aims to engage the scrub clearance has been undertaken hancement Project Officer, Emma local community in the conservation to restore suitable habitat for the bog Douglas on coitywal- of their local wild space. bush cricket. Allt y Rhiw SSSI (part of [email protected]. Blackmill Woodland SAC) has been In order to restore suitable habitat for subject to thinning work as part of the our priority species a number of project, under the supervision of methods of mechanical intervention We have two, free upcoming events, NRW and Coed Cymru. The project have been applied. The slopes to the Fungi Foray 19th October 2013 and ultimately aims to man- a Winter Bird Walk 9th November age the commons with 2013. Contact Emma Douglas for appropriate livestock more information. types and numbers. Emma Douglas, Coity Wallia Com- SEWBReC’s Coity Wallia mons Biodiversity Enhancement Commons Bioblitz was a Project Officer great success, with a number of interesting species recorded includ- ing beautiful snout (Hypena crassalis), har- Page 11 vest mouse (Micromys minutus), petty whin © Emma Douglas

Issue 9—Autumn October 2013

2013 – My year of living locally…

It was in late February that an email ers. It would take a lot of effort to everything and wondering what it is. popped into my inbox, telling me identify bats, and for what? Perhaps What’s that tiny fly? No idea. Or that about the 1000 for 1ksq challenge. half a dozen species. There are hun- obscure lichen? Haven’t a clue. dreds of beetles, but can be fero- What about that spider? Don’t even It was being organised by Andy ciously difficult to identify. But moths ask! I always thought I was quite Musgrove of the BTO, and looked looked a good bet, as did hoverflies interested in the natural world, but I deceptively simple. All you had to do and hymenoptera. Oh yes, and… realise my knowledge of wildlife is a was select a 1km square area, usual- plants. I started ordering all the keys bit like trying to describe the inside of ly from the OS map, and try to see I could find, and set to work. a mansion by looking through the 1000 species, of any wildlife, in the letterbox. square within a year. I fancied a By mid summer, I was already lag- change from my usual birding, so ging far behind. On Andy’s blog, the At the time of writing, I’ve recorded decided to give it a go. leaders were already passing the just over 600 species. With winter 1000 species mark, whilst I had less coming, I expect I will have to I soon realised that I had bitten off, if than half that. More worryingly, they ‘declare’ soon and admit I won’t get not too much, then certainly an em- seemed to be identifying insects from many more. But I’ll carry on into barrassingly large mouthful! I have orders I’d barely heard of. 2014, to try to get to 1000; in particu- about 2 to 3 hours to spend on natu- lar, there are whole groups that I ral history a week. At that rate, I’d But the experience has been incredi- haven’t even touched, including lace- have to find a new species roughly bly rewarding, and I’d recommend it wings, soldier-flies and many solitary every ten minutes, all year, to reach to anyone. It’s forced me to look at bees. But I’d like to make a little time my goal. species groups I normally politely for going back to regular birding – I avoid. Anyone will tell you I’m no Still, my square didn’t seem too bad. haven’t made a Birdtrack entry for botanist, but 1000 for 1ksq has I chose SN6802. This had the ad- nearly a year, and local rarities have forced me to confront my ignorance. vantage that I live in it, so anything in been ignored, no matter how tempt- I’ve even had a go at a few bryo- the garden would count. Although it ing. Eventually I will crack the 1000 phytes, although I’ve had to rely very has a fair bit of housing estate, it also species barrier even if, like the guy heavily on guidance from Charles included some marshy grassland, dressed as a rhino in the London Hipkin and Barry Stewart. And, in oak woodland, a waterfall, heather Marathon, it takes me just a bit longer trying to get access to obscure cor- moorland and a small amount of the to reach the finishing line. ners of my square, I’ve met some RSPB reserve at Cwm Clydach. So very nice people. Nearly all landown- You can read more about the 1000 lots of potential, it seemed. ers were very interested, if a bit per- for 1ksq challenge at http:// Clearly, some kind of plan was need- plexed, by what I was trying to do. www.1000for1ksq.blogspot.co.uk/ ed, because some species groups But what I’ve really learned is how Andrew Lucas were clearly more profitable than oth- little I know. I’ve started looking at

Summer highlights

We have been busy botanising bine Aquilegia vulgaris and Gromwell dreds of Adder’sTongue Fern Ophio- through the spring and summer, and Lithospermum officinale. The last two glossum vulgatum and Small- taking groups out to sites around the plants were frequent at Rogiet Poor flowered Buttercup Ranunculus parvi- vice county from MOD and Land too and along the road to the florus were among the species seen Wyndcliff to The British near Taly- Minnetts was a small patch of Com- there in 2013. wain and Pen-y-fan Pond near mon Meadow-Rue Thalictrum flavum, Trevor Evans had seven Autumn Oakdale. a plant more at home on the Gwent Ladies Tresses on his lawn after sev- Levels as at Barecroft Common or Among the more exciting finds was a eral years of the plant not flowering. along the River Wye. fine plant of Wild Liquorice Astraga- At Chepstow cemetery Mike Ogden lus glycophyllos at Llanmelin Hill Fort MOD Caerwent still supports some found over 100 flowering spikes but on a small BioBlitz there on 27th July. rarities and a good array of lime- we could find none at another ‘old’ This is now known from only one oth- loving plants, but we failed to find any site – Brockwells Farm. er site, as we cannot find it at another Green-winged Orchids Anacamptis At Blackcliff on 18 July we counted former site in MOD Caerwent. Also at morio in the spring, or Autumn Ladies more than 60 flowers of the strange Llanmelin was much Wood Small Tresses Spiranthes spiralis in August Yellow Birds Nest Hypopitys mono- Reed grass Calamagrostis epigeios, and September. Dyers Greenweed tropa under beech trees, one of three some Tor-grass Brachypodium pin- Genista tinctoria, abundant Sea known sites for the species in the natum, plenty of the native Colum- Storksbill Erodium maritimum, hun-

Issue 9—Autumn October 2013

Summer highlights (cont…) vice-county. Moth Mulleins Verbascum blattaria at On 21 September one of us found a Rogiet Countryside Park among the small patch of the tiny Bird's-foot Orni- There was a first county record for more numerous White Mulleins Ver- thopus perpusillus on a sandy track on Spring Beauty, Claytonia perfoliata. It bascum lychnitis. A patch of Greater Beacon Hill, . There was a pre has been growing in a stream at Bul- Spearwort Ranunculus lingua seen at 1970 record for the tetrad, but nothing lyhole bottom since the 1970s but Pen-y-fan Pond on 19 September recent, and Trevor Evans recorded it never been recorded in the flora. may have been planted. in only four tetrads in the whole vice Paul Green recorded another county county. Then, on 26th September Balm Sadly we, together with Adrian Wood first: Early Meadow Grass, Poa infir- -leaved Figwort Scrophularia scoro- and Paul Green, could not find Cor- ma growing in the service station at donia was found by Elsa Wood by the nish Moneywort Sibthorpia europaea Magor. This grass is common in the old slipway at Parva, a plant at its only known site in vc35, along Scilly Islands but is slowly spreading only previously known in Monmouth- the Nant-y-Draenog north of Cwmfe- in the south of Britain along roads. shire vice-county from Newport Docks. linfach. Elsa and Adrian Wood also found an Other notable finds included seven The alien Thorn Apple Datura stra- alien duckweed Lemna valdaviana, flower spikes of Lesser Butterfly Or- monium was found on a pile of earth along with the invasive alien New Zea- chid Platanthera bifolia at its only off Rockfield Road in 2012 by Ste- land Pygmyweed Crassula helmsii, on remaining site in Hardwick Wood by phen Heaton and then in September 20th September in a new pond near St Tim Green, a Hairy buttercup Ranun- 2013 Heather Colls reported hun- Arvans. The duckweed was only culus sardous near Hendre Farm on dreds of plants on the same pile of known from garden centres prior to 23 July, and Small Cudweed Filago earth. Mike Ogden found more Thorn this escape into the wild! minima and Carline Thistles Carlina Apples, one near his home at Chep- vulgaris at Tellech Hill quarry, where So keep botanizing – there are exciting stow and more than a dozen be- first seen in 2008; the cudweed is plants to be found anywhere in the tween and Pwllmeyric. He more frequent in the west of the vice-county. also recorded the scarce Giant county as at The British where we Thyme Thymus pulegoides in a new Steph Tyler and Elsa Wood, Joint saw it in July. Mike Ogden found four tetrad on the Blorenge. VC35 Recorders for the BSBI

WBP—Book Award Fund

The Wales Biodiversity Partnership A claim can be up to £25, and may only ing address: (WBP) is offering a small grant to all be claimed once in each financial year. Sean McHugh, WBP Communi- Vice County Recorders in Wales. This The invoice date must match the finan- cations Officer, Wales Biodi- can be used towards the purchase of cial year in which the claim is made. To versity Partnership, identification books, keys, CDs, or other claim, please send the form below to- C/O Wildlife Trusts Wales, small equipment. gether with your receipt(s) to the follow- Baltic House, Mount Stuart Square, Name: Cardiff Bay, CF10 5FH. Address: Line 1

Line 2 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 02920 480 070 (direct), Line 3 07946 469875 (mobile) Post Town Post Code Sean McHugh, WBP Communi- Email address: cations Officer Contact telephone number

I am the VC Recorder for: Vice County Name

Taxonomic Speciality

Page 13 Item (s) grant claimed for

Receipt attached?

Issue 9—Autumn October 2013

MONMOUTHSHIRE MEADOWS GROUP 10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

To commemorate and celebrate ten years of the Monmouthshire Mead- ows Group’s work to help landowners manage and restore species-rich grassland in Monmouthshire, the Group produced a book in June 2013. The publication is lavishly illustrated with photos and outlines the Group’s aims and the grassland types in Monmouthshire. It includes accounts by some members of their own areas of grassland – whether fields, orchards or mini-meadows on lawns – and why they enjoy these areas. On 9th June to launch the book a party was held near Shirenew- ton in the evening, after a number of meadows had been ‘Open’ to the public and members in the area. It was attended by members and friends and by Sarah Sawyer of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty because the AONB, through its Sustainable Develop- ment Fund, supported the book’s production. The book is available from Monmouthshire Meadows Group for £5. Please see the website (www.monmouthshiremeadows.org.uk) for details, or contact Stepha- nie Tyler (Email [email protected]). Stephanie Tyler, Chair Monmouthshire Meadows Group

Big Garden Birdwatch

Counting the birds that are count- These worrying declines mirror the online at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch ing on you - Big Garden Bird- findings of the State of Nature report or in the post. th th watch 25 and 26 January 2014 which was launched earlier this year From 16th December 2013 you can by 25 UK wildlife groups. The report register to take part in Big Garden It will be eyes to the skies on Satur- revealed that 60 per cent of the Birdwatch 2014 at www.rspb.org.uk/ day 25th and Sunday 26th January wildlife species included are in de- birdwatch 2014, as the nation takes part in the cline, and one in ten of these could RSPB’s annual Big Garden Bird- be the road to extinction in the UK watch. unless something is done to save Dana Thomas, Communications them. The activity is the biggest garden Officer, RSPB wildlife survey in the world and last Big Garden Birdwatch, which has year over 30,000 people in Wales been running for 35 years, provides counted the birds in their garden, the RSPB with masses of infor- with over 600,000 people across the mation about changes in numbers whole of the UK taking part. of garden birds in winter, and helps This year, participants will be hoping to alert conservationists to signifi- that further declines of garden fa- cant declines in UK garden species, vourites recorded last year have like house sparrows and starlings. slowed down. To take part, people are asked to Starlings hit an all-time low in the spend just one hour at any time of 2012 Birdwatch, but their numbers Big Garden Birdwatch weekend not- then sank by a further 16 per cent ing the highest number of each bird last year. Numbers of bullfinches species seen in their gardens or Page 14 and dunnocks fell by 20 per cent local outside space at any one time. and 13 per cent respectively. They then have three weeks to sub- mit their results to the RSPB, either

Issue 9—Autumn October 2013

Bee House - No vacancies!

side of my allotment door at the entrance, sealing it by shed, a leafcutter chewing the edges of the leaf so bee started working that it was glued to the sides of the in the bee house. A tube. week later and she had filled six of the It’s early September now and some tubes. of the tubes are still stoppered up, while others have holes in them. I It was fascinating to am hoping to witness the emer- watch her carrying a gence of a new leaf cutter bee. The piece of leaf to the other two boxes seem to be inhabit- tube, trying it for size ed by a variety of spiders. and then trimming I have devoted 2 beds on the allot- the edges to get a ment to bee/butterfly friendly per- © Stella Wells good fit. She took it renials and annuals. This has been deep into the tube a great success. It looked beautiful I was shopping in Aldi's earlier this and repeated the exercise. She then in the height of summer and was year and noticed that they were sell- stayed inside for a while before fly- alive with bees of many species. ing bug houses. In a rush of eager- ing off. Next year I will attempt to list the ness to help the environment I pur- species visiting my plot. chased a bee house, complete with A little later I noticed that there was bamboo tubes, a butterfly hiberna- a plug of mud inside the tube, very Stella Wells tion box and a small bug house. near to the entrance and then she Within 3 days of fixing these to the brought more foliage and made a

Mammal News

Mammal Records Urgently Needed! South Wales Mammal Group The newly formed South Wales Mammal group is keen Have you seen a mole hill, rabbit, hedgehog or even to recruit members! Our group, with the support of an otter? If so, please contact Dr Dan Forman, mammal expert Rob Strachan, aims to boost mammal Swansea Ecology Research Team, College of Sci- recording in South Wales and engage people in mam- ence, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea mal ecology and conservation. We have held a number SA2 8PP ([email protected]) to report of small events so far, including harvest mouse bait pot your mammal sightings. All data will be used in the surveys for the MaMoNet Project, small mammal trap- Mammal Atlas Project being coordinated by the ping as part of the Mammal Society’s Mini Mammal Mammal Society. Monitoring, a mini Bioblitz at SEWBReC’s September ‘Square of the Month’ and dormouse nest box monitor- I am also interested in any weasel, stoat, polecat, ing for the NDMP. ferret and American mink carcasses that you may come across, for use in ongoing research into the ecology and parasitology of these important preda- We are currently putting together a programme of tors. Please contact Dr Dan Forman (details above) events for the coming year, if you would like to join or to for further details of how to help. find out more information please contact us on south- [email protected] or visit our page on Many thanks for your help in recording the distribu- Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ tion of mammals in Wales. southwalesmammalgroup).

Dan Forman Emma Douglas Swansea Ecology Research Team, College of Science, Swansea University Page 15

Issue 9—Autumn October 2013

Coastal Otter Project

Have you seen a coastal otter?

© Charis White

Background Information © Charis White The otter is one of Britain’s most iconic animals much famed for their mastery of water and fishing ability. Otters have made a remarkable recovery after significant and widespread population declines and can be found on many rivers and lakes in Britain. The otter is a highly adaptable mammal able to exploit a wide range of habitats includ- ing coastal locations. Our present knowledge of how important or extensive otter coastal activity might be in Britain is currently limited. The purpose of this survey is to gather information to begin to understand how important coastal areas (such as docks, rocky shores, estuaries) might be for otters. Your time and help with this are very much appreciated.

The purpose of the survey is to:  Begin to record the distribution of otter activity in coastal areas in all areas of Britain.  Raise awareness of use of coastal areas by otters in Britain. This includes sandy beaches, dunes, docks, salt marshes, estuaries and rocky shorelines. The information need not be restricted to recent records as any sightings over the last 30 years are useful to us.

Information that we need  Location: please try to as specific as possible, a grid reference is ideal but don’t worry if you cannot provide one.  Date (day, month and year)  Approximate time of day  Details of what you saw. Please include as much information as possible. Did you see the otter on the beach, on rocky areas, or in the sea? How many otters did you observe? Have you seen them at this location before?

Please send any information to: Dan Forman, Coastal Otters Project, Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Sin- gleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP. Or email your sightings to: [email protected]

Swansea Ecology Research Team, College of Science, Swansea University Page 16

Issue 9—Autumn October 2013

Wildlife Sightings

Keeled Skimmer The Keeled Skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens) is a species I have wanted to observe for a number of years, and when Rob and Linda Nottage reported they had seen a mating pair at Rhoose Point, I couldn't get there fast enough. Rhoose Point seems an unusual place to find this species, as they usually like acidic water on heathland, and bog- gy mires etc.

AJ Messinger

© AJ Messinger © AJ Messinger

Male perched up. Very fortunately a female passed close Mating pair. After mating, the female very quickly oviposited by, and he quickly latched on to her. in shallow water.

Gypsy Moth Spotted on SEWBReC Staff Outing A gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) was A SEWBReC staff outing to the Newport Wetlands on the 2nd Octo- trapped on the 12th September by Nick ber produced a decent list of the usual bird species associated with Sharp, Emma Douglas and Gill Barter on the site, plus a rather unexpected species - a juvenile rose-coloured Bryngarn Common near Pencoed, Brid- starling (Pastor roseus (previously Sturnus roseus)). It was spotted gend. amongst a small flock of starlings as they circled and fed within a David Slade (VC41 Lepidoptera Recorder) field on the reserve. confirmed that it is the only record from Gla- The last time a rose-coloured starling was recorded in Gwent was morgan (VC41); and it may also be a possi- over 75 years ago in 1937. And the one before that was 1836. All ble first for Wales, as there is only an un- in all it was a pretty special sighting for this area, and one that cer- confirmed record for a site in Anglesey tainly made SEWBReC staff very happy! (1996). RSPB blogged about the sighting here http://www.rspb.org.uk/ Read more about Glamorgan moth sightings community/placestovisit/newportwetlands/b/newportwetlands-blog/ at the Glamorgan Moth Group Blog http:// archive/2013/10/03/juvenile-rose-coloured-starling.aspx gmrg-vc41moths.blogspot.co.uk/

© Nick Sharp © John Marsh

Issue 9—Autumn October 2013

Celebrate UK Fungus Day on Sunday 13th October 2013

Coed Hills Rural Art Space

The day is aimed at all ages and is open to anyone with any interest in the fascinat- ing world of fungi. We hope the day will be educational, fun and enlightening.

On the day you’ll be able to join us for a fungi foray around the Coed Hills site. We have a great range of habitats on site so there will be a good range of fungi to be seen. We’ll be showing videos and projections of fungi related media, and we hope to have the grand opening of our new Fungi Lab, where we will be cultivating edible and medicinal fungi. There’ll be the chance to see fungi close up under the micro- scope, try a taste of some of our tasty edible mushrooms, and various other fungi themed fun throughout the day.

The event is free to attend, teas and coffees and light snacks will be available at the café. Please come with waterproof clothing and foot wear, and a field guide if you have one.

If you are a local mycologist who could assist with the walks, or if you would like to help out with the running of the event, please email [email protected], we’re hoping to make this a great day, so we need all the help we can get!

If you’re interested in attending please complete the form at http:// coedforestgarden.co.uk/ai1ec_event/uk-fungus-day-october-13th-at-coed- hills/?instance_id=187

Cwm Carn Forest Visitor Centre, Crosskeys

Why not join the Gwent Fungus Group, in association with Caerphilly Bor- ough Council for an afternoon of activities designed to reveal the wonders of the fungal kingdom? There will be lots to do and see:  A guided walk into the wood to examine and collect fungi, starting at approximately 2.30pm  An exhibition of fungi - including those found on the walk or brought in by members of the public  A 'Name That Fungus' competition for visitors  Slide shows about fungi

Bring along your own interesting specimens of fungi for us to identify for you!

Time: Sunday Oct.13th, 2.00 - 5.00pm Adults £3.00 Children £1.50 (Tea and cake provided)

Booking is essential (Tel: Cwm Carn Visitor Centre 01495 272001) http://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/cwmcarnforest/content/welcome

G w e n t - G l a m o r g a n Recorders’ Newsletter

SEWBReC, 13 St Andrew’s Crescent Cardiff, CF10 3DB

Telephone: 029 20 64 1110 Fax: 029 20 38 7354 A big thank you to all those who have contributed to this newsletter! But, E-mail: [email protected] thinking ahead to the next issue, we want more articles from Recorders. It Web: www.sewbrec.org.uk could be just a list of species you have recently recorded, or an update of where you have been surveying in the last year. This is an opportunity to Follow us on Facebook & Twitter: plug your favourite recording location, to raise awareness of the species that you record, and to communicate to a wide range of individuals about your www.facebook.com/sewbrec hard work! Please forward any comments, articles, events, species sightings etc to SEWBReC. www.twitter.com/sewbrec